Match Center

That wraps this contest, and it's Punjab Kings who continue their unbeaten streak, joining RCB and DC as the only teams yet to taste defeat this season. A clinical all-round performance sees them climb to second place on the points table, while LSG suffer their second loss in three games. Next up in the Indian Premier League, all eyes turn to Bengaluru, where the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host its first match of the season. It’s a high-octane showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Gujarat Titans in Match 14 on April 2, 2025. The action kicks off at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but be sure to tune in early for all the buildup. Until then, it's goodbye and see you soon!

Prabhsimran Singh is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding knock of 69 off 34 balls. He hails Ricky Ponting as a legend, appreciating his constant focus on the positives. He emphasizes that Ponting’s mindset is purely about winning, with no room for doubts or 'ifs.' Mentions that the team has been encouraged to back their natural games and express themselves freely. Prabhsimran also highlights the IPL as a crucial platform for aspiring cricketers, providing an opportunity to achieve the ultimate dream of representing India.

Shreyas Iyer, the victorious skipper of Punjab Kings, says this is the kind of start they needed and appreciates every player for contributing as a unit. Mentions that there is no right combination and says all the teams have equal potential to win games, but what matters is to click as per the plan. Says he likes to focus on the present and this inning goes past as history and he looks forward to the next one.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony...

Nehal Wadhera is in for a chat next. He reflects on how much they needed this win and credits the team for an all-round performance. He mentions that he didn’t feel too many nerves and, in fact, didn’t even know he was playing today, bringing just one jersey. He praises Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable batting and leadership, acknowledging how Iyer kept encouraging him to play his natural game. On his transition from MI to PBKS, Wadhera says that his experience over the past two years has prepared him for this opportunity, and he is focused on finishing games for his new side. He highlights Ricky Ponting as one of the best coaches he has worked with, emphasizing how Ponting’s positive mindset and words of encouragement help boost his confidence.

Rishabh Pant, the skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, is in for a chat. He admits they fell 20-25 runs short but acknowledges that it's part and parcel of the game. Playing their first home match of the season, they are still assessing the conditions. He points out that losing early wickets made it tough to post a big total and mentions that the idea was to get a slower wicket, and the slower balls did grip and stop. He concludes that they weren’t good enough on the day but remains optimistic, noting that it's still early in the tournament and they are figuring out a few things.

Earlier in the game, Punjab Kings made a fiery start, dismantling LSG’s top order and leaving the hosts struggling at 35/3. However, Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni stepped up under pressure, stabilizing the innings with a crucial 54-run partnership. Their efforts were further reinforced by David Miller and Abdul Samad, with Badoni anchoring the innings until the final over. These vital stands of 54, 30, and 47 propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive total of 171/7. While Punjab kept things tight at the death, ensuring the innings didn’t spiral out of control, Arshdeep Singh endured an expensive spell but made up for it with three key wickets, receiving solid support from the rest of the bowling unit.

Lucknow Super Giants had little to celebrate throughout the innings, apart from a moment of brilliance in the field when Ayush Badoni and Ravi Bishnoi combined to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh with a stunning effort at the boundary. However, Punjab’s dominance never wavered. Once Prabhsimran departed, Nehal Wadhera seamlessly took over, keeping the momentum going, while Iyer shifted gears to notch up his second consecutive fifty. The duo ensured there were no further hiccups, steering Punjab Kings to a resounding victory with ease and authority.

Chasing 172, Punjab Kings got off to a blazing start, courtesy of Prabhsimran Singh, who went on an all-out assault to put the game firmly in their control early on. While Priyansh Arya fell cheaply, the ever-reliable Shreyas Iyer stepped in and stitched together a commanding 84-run partnership with Prabhsimran. The latter was the aggressor, bringing up a well-deserved half-century, while Iyer played the perfect supporting role.

As clinical as a chase gets! Punjab Kings cruise to their second consecutive victory, showcasing a remarkable transformation this season with a squad packed with match-winners. This is nothing less than a statement win! Wrapping up the chase with eight wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare, Punjab Kings not only secured two crucial points but also gave their net run rate a solid boost. A superb all-round effort, and they are starting to look like serious contenders in this tournament!

SIX! Shreyas Iyer finishes the game off with a biggie and also gets to his FIFTY! Back-to-back half-centuries for the PBKS skipper. Looped up by Samad, full and on middle and leg, Iyer gets nice and low as he reaches out in front. Smokes it over deep mid-wicket for a six. Punjab Kings complete a resounding win and make it two wins from as many games!

Floats it up, short and on middle, Iyer backs away and mistimes the cut to cover.

Strategic Break! Not much to deliberate for either side at this stage, with Punjab Kings needing just a solitary run off the final four overs. It has been a commanding chase from them, completely outclassing LSG’s bowling attack. They have paced the innings to perfection, ensuring they reach the target with plenty of deliveries to spare which will significantly boost their net run rate. It’s only a matter of time now before they officially seal the deal and wrap up a dominant victory. Abdul Samad is handed the ball now.

On a back of a length, pushed across, Nehal Wadhera waits back and guides it straight to backward point. Throws his head back in disappointment at not managing to finish the game in this over itself.

FOUR! Gets it through! Scores are level! Pitched up, on middle, Nehal Wadhera puts the dancing shoes on and powers the drive to the right of mid on for a boundary.

SIX! Back-to-back sixes for Nehal! Thakur again fails to get the short ball high enough, on off, Nehal stands tall and nails the pull over deep square leg for six more. PBKS are just a hit away now. Need 5 more runs.

SIX! Wadhera has picked the bones out of that! Fractionally short, on middle, Wadhera creates a stable base for himself as he gets a bit low. Clobbers it over deep mid-wicket for a six.